# intrinsic

/ˌɪnˈtɹɪnsɪk/ (US) · /ɪntɹˈɪnzɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intrinsic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. essential or natural

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

belonging to the real nature of a thing or person; not added from the outside.

For teachers: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing; inherent and inseparable.

- Flexibility is an intrinsic part of being a successful athlete.
- The study argues that the desire for autonomy is intrinsic to human nature, regardless of cultural upbringing or economic status.

Usage: Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.

### 2. inside a body part

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

located entirely inside a specific organ or body part, like a muscle.

For teachers: situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part, especially of a muscle or organ.

- The intrinsic muscles of the hand allow for very fine movements.
- The surgeon noted that the intrinsic nerves of the organ remained intact despite the surrounding trauma.

Teaching tip: In medical contexts, this is the direct opposite of 'extrinsic', which refers to parts that originate outside the structure they move.

### 3. built-in programming function

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a special function that is built directly into a computer's programming language.

For teachers: a function whose implementation is handled specially by the compiler rather than being part of a standard library.

- The programmer used a compiler intrinsic to make the math run faster.
- By utilizing hardware intrinsics, the developer was able to optimize the video processing loop for specific CPU architectures.

## Examples

- Flexibility is intrinsic to this type of material.
- The teacher believed that every child has an intrinsic desire to learn and explore the world.
- While the market value of the painting fluctuates based on demand, its intrinsic historical significance remains unchanged by the whims of collectors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.